The $20 IKEA Purchase That Keeps Me Smiling Through the Cold Weather

It's freezing outside right now. The only way I, a warm-blooded former-Floridian, know how to cope with temperatures in the teens is... outright denial. So let's talk about patios. While I'm not currently using mine, I can see it from a window in the living room. It gives me ample opportunities to admire the rug I picked up last summer at IKEA. It's turned out to be just about my favorite thing.

The LISEL rug was released as part of last year's hit-or-miss nautical-inspired gear at IKEA, when I picked one of the runner-sized rugs in blue. It was a desperate buy. I was hosting a party and really wanted to quickly and cheaply freshen up my small balcony. The $20 rug worked just fine; I liked the white knot pattern all around. I was bummed they were out of the black ones, but I was kind of desperate. So it went into my yellow bag.

What's the point of all this? It's not an ad for IKEA (promise!). I just feel compelled to share whenever I've found a cheap and durable piece that I love. If you're in need of an outdoor rug (especially if you, too, have an awkward 4' x 10' apartment balcony), give it a shot.